Multiple parts reed valve and method of manufacturing

ABSTRACT

An improved membrane valve and method for manufacturing such membrane valve. The improved membrane valve can be used for transferring fluids or gases in hermetic or semi-hermetic compressors, including a method and system for manufacturing a membrane valve and a membrane valve with applications for use in several motors, particularly in hermetic or semi-hermetic compressors which use, as a refrigeration fluid, an appropriate type of gas thus promoting the refrigeration physical affect. A body and a membrane of the membrane valve are produced from substantially thin metallic plates separately in accordance to an available process and can be subjected to rounding in order to eliminate live corners, and then juxtaposed thus composing the valve, with the above mentioned membrane on one side, fitted to the body which is fixed through a connection process and, on the other side, left free to oscillate.

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/858,728 filed Jul. 26, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference.

The present invention is directed to valves, more particularly tomembrane or flapper valves, and even more particularly to an improvedmembrane valve that can be used in compressors and other types ofapplications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A membrane valve, which is commonly used in the area of refrigeration,and particularly used in hermetic and/or semi-hermetic compressors topromote the refrigeration effect, is well known in the art. The membranevalve, allows gas to be transferred from one chamber to the other,according to a pre-determined frequency.

In regards to the dynamics of operation, membrane valves are comprisedof an external section to be attached to the housing of the body of acompressor or the like and at least one internal section (membrane orreed) that is free to move (oscillate) in relation to the first section.The internal section is designed to be positioned over an area which isthe intermediate point between a fluid entry duct and a suction chamberand which transfers such fluid to a chamber equally furnished with anexhaust valve. In this manner, at least one of the above mentionedinternal sections oscillates in accordance to the behavior of thechamber and, in this condition, the exhaust valve is closed. In afollowing stage, where the fluid is compressed into the chamber, themembrane valve closes, while the exhaust valve is opened, thustransferring the fluid to another duct, with the piston of a hermeticcompressor providing the suction and transfer functions.

There exists an extensive variety of single-piece membrane valves,generally made of high carbon or stainless steel. Such membrane valvesare described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,825 and Brazilian PatentNo. P19702470-8, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Thelimits associated with such monolithic structures are also described indetail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,825.

A multi-piece membrane valve is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.6,227,825 which overcomes many of the disadvantages associated withmonolithic structure of these single-piece membrane valves. The externalsection and internal section of the membrane valve is joined together bylaser welding using a laser, brazing, gluing or the equivalent. Althoughthe connection arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,825 solvesmany of the problems of past membrane valves as described in BrazilianPatent No. P19702470-8, the connection arrangement has somedisadvantages. The consistency and quality of the connection arrangementformed by laser welding can vary from part to part. Also, the costsassociated with laser welding can be higher that with using a singlepiece stamping process. Furthermore, because a weld bead generallyextends some distance above the surface of the body or reed of thepiece, the weld does not allow or makes it difficult to form a piecewherein the full top surface and/or the full bottom surface of themembrane valve lies in the same plane.

The present invention is directed to a further improvement to themulti-piece membrane valve as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.6,227,825.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved membrane valve and amethod of manufacturing such membrane valve. The membrane valve includesa body and one or more reeds or membranes that are connected to thebody. The materials used to form the body and one or more reeds ormembranes can be the same or different. In one non-limiting arrangement,the materials used to form the body and at least one of the reeds ormembranes are different. In another non-limiting arrangement, thematerials used to form the body and all of the reeds or membranes aredifferent. The materials that can be used to form the body and the reedsor membranes are non-limiting (e.g., metal, plastic, ceramic, wood,composite materials, fiber-reinforced materials, etc.). In onenon-limiting arrangement, the materials used to form the body and/or thereeds or membranes include metal. The body and the one or more reeds ormembranes can be formed by a variety of processes (e.g., stampingprocess, laser cutting process, molding process, etching process, photoetching process, mechanical cutting process, an extrusion process,etc.). The shape, size, configuration and thickness of the body and theone or more reeds or membranes are non-limiting. In one non-limitingembodiment, the connection arrangement between the body of the membranevalve and at least one of the reeds or membranes is a compression fitconnection. As can be appreciated, all or some of the reeds or membranescan be connected to the body by a compression fit connection. Thecompression fit connection can form the only connection between the bodyand the one or more reeds or membranes, or additional connectionarrangements (e.g., weld, adhesive, polymer coating, magneticconnection, solder, brazing, etc.) can be used in combination with thecompression fit; however, this is not required. The compression fitconnection can be formed by one or more compression connections. In onenon-limiting arrangement, the compression fit connection is formed by aplurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) of compressionconnections that are spaced from one another.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the body of the membrane valve and at least one of the reedsor membranes is formed of a different material. In one non-limitingembodiment, the body is formed of a material that is more deformable(i.e., greater elastic deformation) than the material used to form oneor more of the reeds or membranes; however, this is not required. In onenon-limiting arrangement, the body is formed of a material that is moredeformable than the material used to form all of the reeds or membranes.In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the body isformed of a material that has a hardness (i.e., based on Mohs hardnessscale) that is less than the hardness of one or more of the reeds ormembranes; however, this is not required. In one non-limitingarrangement, the body is formed of a material that has a hardness thatis less than the hardness of all of the reeds or membranes.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the connection arrangement includes a compression fitconnection formed of one or more recesses on the side and/or end of thereeds or membranes and the body that includes corresponding connectionextensions that are designed to fit in a corresponding recess when thereed or membrane is connected to the body. As such, when the reeds ormembranes are compression-fitted to the body, all or a portion of aconnection extension deforms, compresses, etc. and then moves into arecess, thereby securing the reed or membrane to the body. Generally,when the reed or membrane includes two or more recesses that are eachdesigned to connect to a respective connection extension, each of theconnection extensions are inserted at the same time into the respectiverecess in the reed or membrane; however, this is not required.Generally, the shape of the connection extension for a particular recesshas a shape that is generally the same as the shape of the recess;however, this is not required. Generally, the cross-sectional area ofthe portion of the connection extension that is to be inserted into aparticular recess is greater than a cross-sectional area of the recessso that a compression fit is formed when the connection extension isinserted into the recess; however, this is not required. The size, shapeand/or configuration of the recesses and connection extensions arenon-limited.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the connection arrangement includes a compression fitconnection formed of one or more recesses on the body, and the sideand/or end of the reeds or membranes includes corresponding connectionextensions that are designed to fit in a corresponding recess when thereed or membrane is connected to the body. As such, when the reeds ormembranes are compression fitted to the body, all or a portion of aconnection extension deforms, compresses, etc. and then moves into arecess, thereby securing the reed or membrane to the body. Generally,when the reed or membrane includes two or more connection extensionsthat are each designed to connect to a respective recess in the body,each of the connection extensions are inserted at the same time into therespective recess; however, this is not required. Generally, the shapeof the connection extension for a particular recess has a shape that isgenerally the same as the shape of the recess; however, this is notrequired. Generally, the cross-sectional area of the portion of theconnection extension that is to be inserted into a particular recess isgreater than a cross-sectional area of the recess so that a compressionfit is formed when the connection extension is inserted into the recess;however, this is not required. The size, shape and/or configuration ofthe recesses and connection extensions are non-limited.

In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thepresent invention, the connection arrangement includes a) a compressionfit connection formed of one or more recesses on the side and/or end ofthe reeds or membranes and the body that includes correspondingconnection extensions that are designed to fit in a corresponding recesswhen the reed or membrane is connected to the body, and b) a compressionfit connection formed of one or more recesses on the body and the sideand/or end of the reeds or membranes includes corresponding connectionextensions that are designed to fit in a corresponding recess when thereed or membrane is connected to the body. In one embodiment, thecompression fit connection is the primary or only connection between thebody and the reed or membrane. In one non-limiting confirmation, thecompression fit connection is the only connection between the body andthe reed or membrane. In such an arrangement, there is no weld, solder,brazing, adhesive, bonding agent, etc. that is used in addition to thecompression fit connection to secure the reed or membrane to the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the entrance to the recess has a width that is less than amaximum cross-sectional length of a portion of the recess that isrecessed or spaced from the entrance; however, this is not required. Assuch, the width of the recess is narrower than one or more portions ofthe recess that is recessed or spaced from the entrance to the recess.In one non-limiting embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the one ormore recesses has an edge radius; however, other shapes can be used. Inone non-limiting configuration of a recess, the recess includes aC-shaped portion; however, this is not required. In one non-limitingarrangement, the recess has a lollipop shape or standard light bulbshape. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the entrance to one or more recess has a radius of curvature;however, this is not required. In still another and/or alternativenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, when the recess is positionedon a side of reed or membrane, the width of the recess entrance is lessthan about 25% the maximum longitudinal length of the reed or membrane,typically less than about 20% the maximum longitudinal length of thereed or membrane, more typically less than about 15% the maximumlongitudinal length of the reed or membrane, still more typically lessthan about 10% the maximum longitudinal length of the reed or membrane,yet more typically less than about 8% the maximum longitudinal length ofthe reed or membrane, and still yet more typically less than about 7%the maximum longitudinal length of the reed or membrane. In yet anotherand/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, when therecess is positioned on an end of the reed or membrane, the maximumlongitudinal length of the recess is less than about 25% the maximumlongitudinal length of the reed or membrane, typically less than about20% the maximum longitudinal length of the reed or membrane, moretypically less than about 15% the maximum longitudinal length of thereed or membrane, still more typically less than about 10% the maximumlongitudinal length of the reed or membrane, yet more typically lessthan about 9% the maximum longitudinal length of the reed or membrane,and still yet more typically less than about 8% the maximum longitudinallength of the reed or membrane. In still another and/or alternativenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, when the recess is positionedon the end of reed or membrane, the width of the recess entrance is lessthan about 35% the maximum width of the reed or membrane, typically lessthan about 30% the maximum width of the reed or membrane, more typicallyless than about 25% the maximum width of the reed or membrane, stillmore typically less than about 20% the maximum width of the reed ormembrane, yet more typically less than about 15% the maximum width ofthe reed or membrane, and still yet more typically less than about 10%the maximum width of the reed or membrane.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the entrance to one or more recesses has a radius ofcurvature; however, this is not required. This radius of curvature onthe entrance of the recess, when used, can be used to facilitate in theconnecting of the reeds or membranes to the body. The rounding and/orsoftening of one or more corners at the entrance of the recess can alsoreduce tension accumulation of the reeds or membranes, thus allowing fora longer service life.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the edge of the recess that is to first contact acorresponding connection extension when the reed or membrane is beingconnected to the body can be a tapered surface; however, this is notrequired. This tapered surface, when used, can be used to facilitate inthe connecting of the reeds or membranes to the body. The angle of taperis non-limiting. The taper can exist in part or through the fullthickness of the recess.

In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thepresent invention, the edge of the connection extension that is to firstcontact a corresponding recess when the reed or membrane is beingconnected to the body can be a tapered surface; however, this is notrequired. This tapered surface, when used, can be used to facilitate inthe connecting of the reeds or membranes to the body. The angle of taperis non-limiting. The taper can exist in part or through the fullthickness of the connection extension.

In another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the shapeand/or size of the body and/or the one or more reeds or membranes arenon-limiting. The materials used to form the body and/or the one or morereeds or membranes are non-limiting. The thickness of the body and/orthe one or more reeds or membranes is non-limiting. Generally, thethickness of the body and/or the one or more reeds or membranes is thesame. In such an arrangement, when the one or more reeds or membranesare connected to the body, the thickness of the membrane valve isgenerally uniform. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, thetop surface and/or bottom surface of the one or more reeds or membranes,when connected to the body, lie in the same and/or parallel plane as thetop and/or bottom surface of the body; however, this is not required. Inone non-limiting configuration, the top surface of the one or more reedsor membranes, when connected to the body, lies in the same plane as thetop surface of the body, and the bottom surface of the one or more reedsor membranes lies in the same plane as the bottom surface of the body.

In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, theconnection arrangement between the body of the membrane valve and atleast one of the reeds or membranes is located at the rear portion ofthe reed or membrane. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the connection arrangement on the reed or membrane is located at therear end of the reed or membrane, or at a location that is spaced fromrear end a distance that is less than 40% of the maximum longitudinallength of the reed or membrane, typically at a location that is spacedfrom rear end a distance that is less than 30% of the maximumlongitudinal length of the reed or membrane, more typically at alocation that is spaced from rear end a distance that is less than 20%of the maximum longitudinal length of the reed or membrane, still moretypically at a location that is spaced from rear end a distance that isless than 18% of the maximum longitudinal length of the reed ormembrane, and yet more typically at a location that is spaced from rearend a distance that is less than 16% of the maximum longitudinal lengthof the reed or membrane.

In yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, atleast a portion of the outer edge of the at least one of the reeds ormembranes is spaced from the body when the reed or membrane is connectedto the body; however, this is not required. In one non-limitingembodiment of the invention, a majority of the outer edge of at leastone of the reeds or membranes is spaced from the body when the reed ormembrane is connected to the body, typically at least about 55% of theouter edge of at least one of the reeds or membranes is spaced from thebody when the reed or membrane is connected to the body, typically atleast about 60% of the outer edge of at least one of the reeds ormembranes is spaced from the body when the reed or membrane is connectedto the body, more typically at least about 65% of the outer edge of atleast one of the reeds or membranes is spaced from the body when thereed or membrane is connected to the body, still more typically at leastabout 70% of the outer edge of at least one of the reeds or membranes isspaced from the body when the reed or membrane is connected to the body,and yet still more typically at least about 72% of the outer edge of atleast one of the reeds or membranes is spaced the body when the reed ormembrane is connected to the body. The space between the outer edge ofthe reed or membrane and the body can be constant or non-constant. Thespace between the outer edge of the reed or membrane and the body isgenerally less than about 15% the maximum width of the reed or membrane,typically less than about 10% the maximum width of the reed or membrane,more typically less than about 8% the maximum width of the reed ormembrane, and still more typically less than about 5% the maximum widthof the reed or membrane.

In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, amajority of the rear portion of the reed or member that is in contactwith the body is not connected to by the compression fit connection.Generally less than about 45% of the rear portion of the reed or memberthat is in contact with the body is connected to by the compression fitconnection, typically less than about 40% of the rear portion of thereed or member that is in contact with the body is connected to by thecompression fit connection, more typically less than about 35% of therear portion of the reed or member that is in contact with the body isconnected to by the compression fit connection, still more typicallyless than about 30% of the rear portion of the reed or member that is incontact with the body is connected to by the compression fit connection,yet still more typically less than about 25% of the rear portion of thereed or member that is in contact with the body is connected to by thecompression fit connection, and even more typically less than about 20%of the rear portion of the reed or member that is in contact with thebody is connected to by the compression fit connection.

In still yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention,the membrane valve is made of a substantially thin metallic plate of acertain material which has, at its outermost radial area, at least onehole configuring the lodging for the usual escape valve and severalholes for the assembly of the valve on a determined device such as, butnot limited to, a compressor.

In another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, themembrane valve can be partially or fully coated on the top and/or bottomsurface by a coating that can be used to as a gasket to form a seal whenthe membrane valve is inserted in a device; however, this is notrequired. The coating can be a silicon coating and/or polymer coating.The thickness of the coating is non-limiting. Generally the coating,when used, has a uniform thickness. Generally the coating is appliedabout the reed opening. The coating can also or alternatively be appliedabout one or more of the holes in the body. The coating, when used, isnot considered a connection arrangement for connecting the reed ormembrane to the body for purposes of this invention.

In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, theprocess for manufacturing the membrane valve of the present inventionhas the following non-limiting advantages in relation to the otherexisting valves:

-   -   a. Cost reduction of the membrane valve by 1) using less        expensive materials for the body, 2) less punctures are required        due to faster rounding of the corners of the membrane valve,        and/or 3) the body needs only to be deburred.    -   b. Increased service life of the membrane valve due to the        better rounding of the corners and the optional use of harder        materials for the manufacture of the reed or membrane.    -   c. Joining of the reed or membrane to the body without        interfering with the quality and technical characteristics of        the membrane valve (e.g., not adversely affecting the uniform        thickness of the membrane valve, etc.).    -   d. Joining of the reed or membrane to the body without        interfering with the hardness, mechanical resistance, and        flexibility of any one of the parts of the membrane valve.    -   e. Mechanical joining of the reed or membrane to the body        without the use of an adhesive, weld, solder or other component        improves the quality and durability of the connection between        the body and the one or more reeds or membranes.    -   f. Joining of the reed or membrane to the body can be done        automatically, which can lower the final cost of the membrane        valve.    -   g. The manufacturing process of the present invention allows for        more manufacturing and assembly versatility, thus allowing the        work to be made with a reduced stock of raw material and        finished parts, which can, at the same time, meet the modern        standards of production such as the “just in time” standard.    -   h. The manufacturing process of the present invention results in        a technical performance that is more advantageous than other        existing valves, due to a better selection of manufacturing        materials which increases its yield.    -   i. This design allows for use of all reeds with same raw        material grain direction, increasing fatigue life and/or        reliability of reeds.    -   j. The design has several advantages such as better edge radius,        use of raw material grain direction can support thickness        reduction of new reed valves, and/or increasing compressor        performance.    -   k. The current design reduces dead volume (slot×reed thickness),        thus increasing compressor efficiency.    -   l. The complete top surface of the one or more reeds or        membranes, when connected to the body, can lie in the same plane        as the top surface of the body, and the complete bottom surface        of the one or more reeds or membranes can lie in the same plane        as the bottom surface of the body thereby more closely matching        the profile of a single piece membrane valve.

It is one non-limiting objective of the present invention to provide anefficient method so that two or more parts of a membrane valve are heldtogether.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of the presentinvention to provide a method to join one or more parts of a membranevalve without interfering with the quality and technical characteristicsof the membrane valve.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a method to join one or more parts of amembrane valve while maintaining the flat aspect (i.e., withoutincreasing the thickness) of the membrane valve.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a method to join one or more parts of amembrane valve without interfering with the hardness, mechanicalresistance, and flexibility of the components (e.g., body, membrane orreed) of the membrane valve.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a method to join one or more parts of amembrane valve without forming a residual part which will eventuallyhave to be removed from the membrane valve.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of the presentinvention to provide a method to join one or more parts of a membranevalve that utilizes a joining arrangement that does not react with theparts of the membrane valve.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a method to join one or more parts of amembrane valve that is less time consuming, reduces manufacturing costs,and/or reduces raw material costs.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a method to join one or more parts of amembrane valve that enables the use of less expensive materials tomanufacture the body of the membrane valve.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve having a technicalperformance that is substantially more advantageous than other existingvalves, due to a better selection of manufacturing materials whichincreases its yield.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of the presentinvention to provide a method to join one or more parts of a membranevalve that provides manufacturing and assembly versatility, thusallowing the work to be made with a reduced stock of raw material andfinished parts, which can, at the same time, meet the modern standardsof production such as the “just in time” standard.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve having one or more cornerssoftened or rounded in order to avoid tension accumulation of themembrane being used, allowing for a longer service life.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve having a smaller radialgap or slot between one or more of the elongated cuts and the respectivemembrane defined by such cuts. This dead volume (slot×reed thickness)can be reduced.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the connectionarrangement between the body of the membrane valve and at least one ofthe reeds or membranes is a compression fit connection.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of the presentinvention to provide a membrane valve wherein the body of the membranevalve and at least one of the reeds or membranes is formed of adifferent material.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the body is formedof a material that is more deformable than the material used to form oneor more of the reeds or membranes.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the body is formedof a material that is more deformable than the material used to form allof the reeds or membranes.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the body is formedof a material that has a hardness that is less than the hardness of oneor more of the reeds or membranes.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of the presentinvention to provide a membrane valve wherein the connection arrangementincludes a compression fit connection formed of one or more recesses onthe side and/or end of the reeds or membranes and the body that includescorresponding connection extensions that are designed to fit in acorresponding recess when the reed or membrane is connected to the body.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the connectionarrangement includes a compression fit connection formed of one or morerecesses on the body and the side and/or end of the reeds or membranesthat includes corresponding connection extensions that are designed tofit in a corresponding recess when the reed or membrane is connected tothe body.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the shape of theconnection extension for a particular recess has a shape that isgenerally the same as the shape of the recess.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein thecross-sectional area of the portion of the connection extension that isto be inserted into a particular recess is greater than across-sectional area of the recess so that a compression fit is formedwhen the connection extension is inserted into the recess.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of the presentinvention to provide a membrane valve wherein the entrance to the recesshas a width that is less than a maximum cross-sectional length of aportion of the recess that is recessed or spaced from the entrance.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the recessincludes a C-shaped portion.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the entrance toone or more recess has a radius of curvature.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of thepresent invention to provide a membrane valve wherein the edge of therecess that is to first contact a corresponding connection extensionwhen the reed or membrane is being connected to the body can be atapered surface.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting objective of the presentinvention to provide a membrane valve wherein the edge of the connectionextension that is to first contact a corresponding recess when the reedor membrane is being connected to the body can be a tapered surface.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate variousembodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certainparts and arrangements of parts wherein;

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a non-limiting membrane valve inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the assembled membrane valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 wherein thecompression fit is located at the rear end of the reed or membrane;

FIG. 4 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 wherein thecompression fit is located at both the sides and the rear end of thereed or membrane;

FIG. 5 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 wherein thecompression fit is located at the sides of the reed or membrane and theshape of the opening on the body and the shape of the reed or membraneare modified;

FIG. 6 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 wherein thecompression fit is located at the rear end of the reed or membrane andthe shape of the opening on the body and the shape of the reed ormembrane are modified;

FIG. 7 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 wherein thecompression fit is located at both the sides and the rear end of thereed or membrane and the shape of the opening on the body and the shapeof the reed or membrane are modified;

FIG. 8 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 wherein thecompression fit is located at the sides of each of the plurality of reedor membrane and the shape of the openings on the body and the shapes ofthe reed or membrane are modified;

FIG. 9 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 wherein thecompression fit is located at the rear end of each of the plurality ofreed or membrane and the shape of the openings on the body and theshapes of the reed or membrane are modified;

FIG. 10 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 whereinthe compression fit is located at both the sides and rear end of each ofthe plurality of reed or membrane and the shape of the openings on thebody and the shapes of the reed or membrane are modified;

FIG. 11 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 whereinthe compression fit is located at the sides of each of the plurality ofreed or membrane and the shape of the openings on the body and theshapes of the reed or membrane are modified;

FIG. 12 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 whereinthe compression fit is located at the rear end of each of the pluralityof reed or membrane and the shape of the openings on the body and theshapes of the reed or membrane are modified; and,

FIG. 13 is a modified version of the membrane valve of FIG. 1 whereinthe compression fit is located at both the sides and rear end of each ofthe plurality of reed or membrane and the shape of the openings on thebody and the shapes of the reed or membrane are modified.

DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing is for the purpose ofillustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and not forthe purpose of limiting the same, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 amulti-piece membrane valve in accordance with the present invention. Themembrane valve can be used in different suction valves for hermetic orsemi-hermetic compressors used in domestic or commercial refrigerationsystems, including different automotive or non-automotiveair-conditioning units. As can be appreciated, the membrane valve of thepresent invention can be used in many of applications.

As illustrated in the Figures, the membrane valve can have a variety ofdifferent configurations. The configurations illustrated in the Figuresonly represent a few of the possible configurations of the membranevalve of the present invention. The membrane valve 100 includes a body200 and at least one reed or membrane 300. The body of the membranevalve is generally made of a thin metallic plate of a certain material.As can be appreciated, the body can be formed of other or additionalmaterials. The size, shape, configuration and thickness of the body arenon-limiting. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and 11-13, the body has agenerally square or rectangular shape. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, thebody has a generally circular shape. The body is illustrated as having agenerally constant thickness; however, this is not required. The bodygenerally includes one or more holes 210 that are used in conjunctionwith the valve assembly on a compressor or other device. As can beappreciated, the one or more holes can be used for a variety offunctions. The number, size, shape, configuration and location of theone or more holes in the body are non-limiting. As illustrated in FIGS.1-7 and 11-13, the body includes four holes that are positioned near theeach of the four corners of the body. The size and shape of the openingsare illustrated as being the same; however, this is not required. Theopenings are illustrated as having a circular shape; however, other oradditional shapes can be used (e.g., oval, polygonal, star shaped,etc.). As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the body includes a single openinglocated at or near the center of the body. The opening is illustrated ashaving a circular shape; however, other or additional shapes can be used(e.g., oval, polygonal, star shaped, etc.).

The body also includes one or more reed openings 220. The number, size,shape, configuration and location of the one or more reed openings inthe body are non-limiting. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and 11-13, thebody includes a single reed opening. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, thebody includes six reed openings. One or more of the reed openings isdesigned to receive a reed or membrane 300. As illustrated in FIGS.1-10, each of the reed openings includes a single reed or membrane 300.As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, each of the reed openings includes tworeeds or membranes 300. As can be appreciated, more than two reeds ormembranes can be received in one or more of the reed openings. The outeredges of the body, the one or more holes, and/or the one or more reedopenings can be deburred and/or rounded; however, this is not required.

One or more of the reed openings that are designed to receive a reed ormembrane include a compression fit arrangement that includes one or morerecesses and/or connection extensions. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, thereed openings each include a plurality of connection extensions 230. Ascan be appreciated, the reed opening can include a single connectionextension. As also can be appreciated, one or more reed openings caninclude one or more recesses instead of one or more connectionextensions. As also can be appreciated, one or more reed openings caninclude both one or more recesses and one or more connection extensions.The location of the one or more recesses and/or connection extensions inthe reed opening is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, theconnection extensions in the reed opening are positioned at one end ofthe reed opening. As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, the connectionextensions in the reed opening are positioned at two ends of the reedopening.

The size, shape and configuration of the connection extensions arenon-limiting. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, the connection extensionsare in the shape of a lollipop or standard light bulb. The connectionextensions have a neck that extends outwardly from the side of the reedopening and which terminates into a circular-shaped end portion. Themaximum cross-sectional width of the end portion is greater than thethinnest width of the neck; however, this is not required. The top andbottom surface of the connection extensions lie in the same plane as thetop and bottom surface of the body; however, this is not required. Theedges 232 of the connection extensions are typically rounded or taperedso as to facilitate in the insertion of the connection extensions intothe recesses 320 of the reeds or membranes; however, this is notrequired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, the rear portion 310 of each of the reedsor membranes includes one or more recesses or slots 320. The size, shapeand configuration of the recess is similar or the same as the shape ofthe connection extensions. The edges 322 of the recess can be rounded ortapered so as to facilitate in the insertion of the connectionextensions 230 into the recesses 320 of the reeds or membranes; however,this is not required.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear portion of the reed or membranehas a width that is the same or similar to the width of the reed openingthat is designed to receive the rear portion of the reed or membrane. Asillustrated in FIGS. 2-13, once the reed or membrane is inserted intothe reed opening, the top and bottom surface of the reed or membrane liein the same plane as the top and bottom surface of the body. Thecompression fit between the reed or membrane and body are unique in thatthe top and bottom surface of the point of connection between the bodyand reed or membrane generally lies in the same plane as the top andbottom surface of the body and the reed or membrane. As such, the topand bottom surface of the region about the recesses and the top andbottom surface of the connection extensions lie in the same plane whenthe reed or membrane is connected to the body.

The longitudinal length of the rear portion of the reed or membrane isgenerally less than 40% the longitudinal length of the reed or membrane,typically the rear portion of the reed or membrane is generally lessthan 30% the longitudinal length of the reed or membrane, more typicallythe rear portion of the reed or membrane is generally less than 25% thelongitudinal length of the reed or membrane, and still more typicallythe rear portion of the reed or membrane is generally less than 20% thelongitudinal length of the reed or membrane.

A majority of the outer edge 340 of the front portion 350 of the reed ormembrane is spaced from the edge of the reed opening to form a slot 330between the body and the reed or membrane. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-13,the edge of the front portion of the reed or membrane is spaced from theedge of the reed opening.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, two connection extensions 230 extend fromeach side of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of the reed or membrane300. The two recesses on the reed or membrane are positioned on oppositesides of the reed and membrane, are spaced the same distance from therear edge of the reed or membrane, and are the same size, configurationand shape. The shape of the extension member that is to be inserted intoa corresponding recess is the same shape of the recess. The size of theextension member is slightly larger than the size of the recess so thatthe extension member is caused to slightly deform when inserted into therecess. The insertion of the extension member into the recess may alsoor alternatively cause the recess to slightly deform; however, this isnot required. The rear portion of the reed or membrane has a width suchthat a majority or all of the outer edge of the rear portion contactsthe edge of the reed opening when the reed or membrane is connected tothe body. As illustrated in FIG. 2, all of the outer edge of the frontportion of the reed or membrane is spaced from the edge of the reedopening when the reed or membrane is connected to the body. The size andshape of the slot 330 is constant at about at least 90% of the outeredge of the front portion. The edge 232 of the connection extensions 230includes a rounded or tapered edge so as to facilitate in the insertionof the connection extensions into the recesses of the reed or membrane.The transition between the outer edge of the rear portion and the frontportion is a tapered or angled portion; however, this is not required.The reed or membrane is formed of a different material than the body.When the reed or membrane is connected to the body, the top and bottomsurface of the reed or membrane lie in the same plane as the top andbottom surface of the body.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, two connection extensions 230 extend from therear of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the rear end of the rear portion of the reed or membrane300. The two recesses on the reed or membrane are spaced the samedistance from a side edge of the reed or membrane, and are the samesize, configuration and shape. The shape of the extension member that isto be inserted into a corresponding recess is the same shape of therecess. The size of the extension member is slightly larger than thesize of the recess so that the extension member is caused to slightlydeform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of the extensionmember into the recess may also or alternatively cause the recess toslightly deform; however, this is not required. The rear portion of thereed or membrane has a width such that a majority or all of the outeredge of the rear portion contacts the edge of the reed opening when thereed or membrane is connected to the body. As illustrated in FIG. 3, allof the outer edge of the front portion of the reed or membrane is spacedfrom the edge of the reed opening when the reed or membrane is connectedto the body. The size and shape of the slot 330 is constant at about atleast 90% of the outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232 of theconnection extensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge so as tofacilitate in the insertion of the connection extensions into therecesses of the reed or membrane. The transition between the outer edgeof the rear portion and the front portion is a tapered or angledportion; however, this is not required. The reed or membrane is formedof a different material than the body. When the reed or membrane isconnected to the body, the top and bottom surface of the reed ormembrane lie in the same plane as the top and bottom surface of thebody.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, two connection extensions 230 extend from eachside of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of the reed or membrane300, and two connection extensions 230 extend from the rear of the reedopening 220 and are inserted in two corresponding recesses 320 on therear end of the rear portion of the reed or membrane 300. The tworecesses on the side of the reed or membrane are positioned on oppositesides of the reed and membrane, are spaced the same distance from therear edge of the reed or membrane, and are the same size, configurationand shape. The two recesses on the rear of the reed or membrane arespaced the same distance from a side edge of the reed or membrane, andare the same size, configuration and shape. Each pair of recesseslocated about a corner of the rear portion of the reed or membrane arespaced equal distances from one another. All four recesses have the samesize, configuration and shape. The shape of the extension member that isto be inserted into a corresponding recess is the same shape of therecess. The size of the extension member is slightly larger than thesize of the recess so that the extension member is caused to slightlydeform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of the extensionmember into the recess may also or alternatively cause the recess toslightly deform; however, this is not required. The rear portion of thereed or membrane has a width such that a majority or all of the outeredge of the rear portion contacts the edge of the reed opening when thereed or membrane is connected to the body. As illustrated in FIG. 4, allof the outer edges of the front portion of the reed or membrane isspaced from the edge of the reed opening when the reed or membrane isconnected to the body. The size and shape of the slot 330 is constant atabout at least 90% of the outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232of the connection extensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge soas to facilitate in the insertion of the connection extensions into therecesses of the reed or membrane. The transition between the outer edgeof the rear portion and the front portion is a tapered or angledportion; however, this is not required. The reed or membrane is formedof a different material than the body. When the reed or membrane isconnected to the body, the top and bottom surface of the reed ormembrane lie in the same plane as the top and bottom surface of thebody.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, two connection extensions 230 extend from eachside of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of the reed or membrane300. The two recesses on the reed or membrane are positioned on oppositesides of the reed and membrane, are spaced the same distance from therear edge of the reed or membrane, and are the same size, configurationand shape. The shape of the extension member that is to be inserted intoa corresponding recess is the same shape of the recess. The size of theextension member is slightly larger than the size of the recess so thatthe extension member is caused to slightly deform when inserted into therecess. The insertion of the extension member into the recess may alsoor alternatively cause the recess to slightly deform; however, this isnot required. The rear portion of the reed or membrane has a width suchthat a majority or all of the outer edge of the rear portion contactsthe edge of the reed opening when the reed or membrane is connected tothe body. As illustrated in FIG. 5, all of the outer edge of the frontportion of the reed or membrane is spaced from the edge of the reedopening when the reed or membrane is connected to the body. The size andshape of the slot 330 is not constant about the outer edge of the frontportion. The edge 232 of the connection extensions 230 include a roundedor tapered edge so as to facilitate in the insertion of the connectionextensions into the recesses of the reed or membrane. The reed ormembrane is formed of a different material than the body. When the reedor membrane is connected to the body, the top and bottom surface of thereed or membrane lie in the same plane as the top and bottom surface ofthe body.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, two connection extensions 230 extend from therear of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the rear end of the rear portion of the reed or membrane300. The two recesses on the reed or membrane are spaced the samedistance from a side edge of the reed or membrane, and are the samesize, configuration and shape. The shape of the extension member that isto be inserted into a corresponding recess is the same shape of therecess. The size of the extension member is slightly larger than thesize of the recess so that the extension member is caused to slightlydeform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of the extensionmember into the recess may also or alternatively cause the recess toslightly deform; however, this is not required. The rear portion of thereed or membrane has a width such that a majority or all of the outeredge of the rear portion contacts the edge of the reed opening when thereed or membrane is connected to the body. As illustrated in FIG. 6, allof the outer edge of the front portion of the reed or membrane is spacedfrom the edge of the reed opening when the reed or membrane is connectedto the body. The size and shape of the slot 330 is not constant aboutthe outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232 of the connectionextensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge so as to facilitate inthe insertion of the connection extensions into the recesses of the reedor membrane. The reed or membrane is formed of a different material thanthe body. When the reed or membrane is connected to the body, the topand bottom surface of the reed or membrane lie in the same plane as thetop and bottom surface of the body.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, two connection extensions 230 extend from eachside of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of the reed or membrane300, and two connection extensions 230 extend from the rear of the reedopening 220 and are inserted in two corresponding recesses 320 on therear end of the rear portion of the reed or membrane 300. The tworecesses on the side of the reed or membrane are positioned on oppositesides of the reed and membrane, are spaced the same distance from therear edge of the reed or membrane, and are the same size, configurationand shape. The two recesses on the rear of the reed or membrane arespaced the same distance from a side edge of the reed or membrane, andare the same size, configuration and shape. Each pair of recesseslocated about a corner of the rear portion of the reed or membrane arespaced equal distances from one another. All four recesses have the samesize, configuration and shape. The shape of the extension member that isto be inserted into a corresponding recess is the same shape of therecess. The size of the extension member is slightly larger than thesize of the recess so that the extension member is caused to slightlydeform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of the extensionmember into the recess may also or alternatively cause the recess toslightly deform; however, this is not required. The rear portion of thereed or membrane has a width such that a majority or all of the outeredge of the rear portion contacts the edge of the reed opening when thereed or membrane is connected to the body. As illustrated in FIG. 7, allof the outer edge of the front portion of the reed or membrane is spacedfrom the edge of the reed opening when the reed or membrane is connectedto the body. The size and shape of the slot 330 is not constant aboutthe outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232 of the connectionextensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge so as to facilitate inthe insertion of the connection extensions into the recesses of the reedor membrane. The reed or membrane is formed of a different material thanthe body. When the reed or membrane is connected to the body, the topand bottom surface of the reed or membrane lie in the same plane as thetop and bottom surface of the body.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, two connection extensions 230 extend from eachside of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes 300. The two recesses on each of the reeds or membranes arepositioned on opposite sides of each of the reeds and membranes, arespaced the same distance from the rear edge of each of the reeds ormembranes, and are the same size, configuration and shape. The shape ofthe extension member that is to be inserted into a corresponding recessis the same shape of the recess. The size of the extension member isslightly larger than the size of the recess so that the extension memberis caused to slightly deform when inserted into the recess. Theinsertion of the extension member into the recess may also oralternatively cause the recess to slightly deform; however, this is notrequired. The rear portion of each of the reeds or membranes has a widthsuch that a majority or all of the outer edge of the rear portioncontacts the edge of the reed opening when each of the reeds ormembranes are connected to the body. As illustrated in FIG. 8, all ofthe outer edge of the front portion of each of the reeds or membranes isspaced from the edge of the reed opening when each of the reeds ormembranes are connected to the body. The size and shape of the slot 330is not constant about the outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232of the connection extensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge soas to facilitate in the insertion of the connection extensions into therecesses of each of the reeds or membranes. Each of the reeds ormembranes is formed of a different material than the body. When each ofthe reeds or membranes are connected to the body, the top and bottomsurface of each of the reeds or membranes lie in the same plane as thetop and bottom surface of the body.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, two connection extensions 230 extend from therear of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the rear end of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes 300. The two recesses on each of the reeds or membranes arespaced the same distance from a side edge of the reed or membrane, andare the same size, configuration and shape. The shape of the extensionmember that is to be inserted into a corresponding recess is the sameshape of the recess. The size of the extension member is slightly largerthan the size of the recess so that the extension member is caused toslightly deform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of theextension member into the recess may also or alternatively cause therecess to slightly deform; however, this is not required. The rearportion of each of the reeds or membranes has a width such that amajority or all of the outer edge of the rear portion contacts the edgeof the reed opening when each of the reeds or membranes are connected tothe body. As illustrated in FIG. 9, all of the outer edge of the frontportion of each of the reeds or membranes is spaced from the edge of thereed opening when each of the reeds or membranes are connected to thebody. The size and shape of the slot 330 is not constant about the outeredge of the front portion. The edge 232 of the connection extensions 230includes a rounded or tapered edge so as to facilitate in the insertionof the connection extensions into the recesses of each of the reeds ormembranes. Each of the reeds or membranes is formed of a differentmaterial than the body. When each of the reeds or membranes areconnected to the body, the top and bottom surface of each of the reedsor membranes lie in the same plane as the top and bottom surface of thebody.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, two connection extensions 230 extend fromeach side of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes 300, and two connection extensions 230 extend from the rear ofthe reed opening 220 and are inserted in two corresponding recesses 320on the rear end of the rear portion of each of the reeds or membranes300. The two recesses on the side of each of the reeds or membranes arepositioned on opposite sides of each of the reeds and membranes, arespaced the same distance from the rear edge of each of the reeds ormembranes, and are the same size, configuration and shape. The tworecesses on the rear of each of the reeds or membranes are spaced thesame distance from a side edge of each of the reeds or membranes, andare the same size, configuration and shape. Each pair of recesseslocated about a corner of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes are spaced equal distances from one another. All four recesseshave the same size, configuration and shape. The shape of the extensionmember that is to be inserted into a corresponding recess is the sameshape of the recess. The size of the extension member is slightly largerthan the size of the recess so that the extension member is caused toslightly deform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of theextension member into the recess may also or alternatively cause therecess to slightly deform; however, this is not required. The rearportion of each of the reeds or membranes have a width such that amajority or all of the outer edge of the rear portion contacts the edgeof the reed opening when each of the reeds or membranes are connected tothe body. As illustrated in FIG. 10, all of the outer edge of the frontportion of each of the reed or membranes is spaced from the edge of thereed opening when each of the reeds or membranes are connected to thebody. The size and shape of the slot 330 is not constant about the outeredge of the front portion. The edge 232 of the connection extensions 230includes a rounded or tapered edge so as to facilitate in the insertionof the connection extensions into the recesses of each of the reeds ormembranes. Each of the reeds or membranes is formed of a differentmaterial than the body. When each of the reeds or membranes areconnected to the body, the top and bottom surface of each of the reedsor membranes lie in the same plane as the top and bottom surface of thebody.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, two connection extensions 230 extend fromeach side of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes 300. The two recesses on each of the reeds or membranes arepositioned on opposite sides of each of the reeds and membranes, arespaced the same distance from the rear edge of each of the reeds ormembranes, and are the same size, configuration and shape. The shape ofthe extension member that is to be inserted into a corresponding recessis the same shape of the recess. The size of the extension member isslightly larger than the size of the recess so that the extension memberis caused to slightly deform when inserted into the recess. Theinsertion of the extension member into the recess may also oralternatively cause the recess to slightly deform; however, this is notrequired. The rear portion of each of the reeds or membranes has a widthsuch that a majority or all of the outer edge of the rear portioncontacts the edge of the reed opening when each of the reeds ormembranes are connected to the body. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a singlereed opening in the body is configured to receive two reeds ormembranes. The two reeds or membranes are oriented in oppositedirections from one another; however, this is not required. Thelongitudinal axis of the two reeds is parallel to one another; however,this is not required. The side edge of the reeds or membranes that arepositioned adjacent to one another are spaced from one another. Thespacing is illustrated as being constant; however, this is not required.As illustrated in FIG. 11, all of the outer edge of the front portion ofeach of the reeds or membranes is spaced from the edge of the reedopening when each of the reeds or membranes are connected to the body.The size and shape of the slot 330 is constant at about at least 70% ofthe outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232 of the connectionextensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge so as to facilitate inthe insertion of the connection extensions into the recesses of each ofthe reeds or membranes. The transition between the outer edge of therear portion and the front portion is a tapered or angled portion;however, this is not required. Each of the reeds or membranes is formedof a different material than the body. When each of the reeds ormembranes are connected to the body, the top and bottom surface of eachof the reeds or membranes lie in the same plane as the top and bottomsurface of the body.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, two connection extensions 230 extend from therear of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the rear end of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes 300. The two recesses on each of the reeds or membranes arespaced the same distance from a side edge of the reed or membrane, andare the same size, configuration and shape. The shape of the extensionmember that is to be inserted into a corresponding recess is the sameshape of the recess. The size of the extension member is slightly largerthan the size of the recess so that the extension member is caused toslightly deform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of theextension member into the recess may also or alternatively cause therecess to slightly deform; however, this is not required. The rearportion of each of the reeds or membranes has a width such that amajority or all of the outer edge of the rear portion contacts the edgeof the reed opening when each of the reeds or membranes are connected tothe body. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a single reed opening in the bodyis configured to receive two reeds or membranes. The two reeds ormembranes are oriented in opposite directions from one another; however,this is not required. The longitudinal axis of the two reeds is parallelto one another; however, this is not required. The side edge of thereeds or membranes that are positioned adjacent to one another is spacedfrom one another. The spacing is illustrated as being constant; however,this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 11, all of the outer edgeof the front portion of each of the reeds or membranes are spaced fromthe edge of the reed opening when each of the reeds or membranes areconnected to the body. The size and shape of the slot 330 is constant atabout at least 70% of the outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232of the connection extensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge soas to facilitate in the insertion of the connection extensions into therecesses of each of the reeds or membranes. The transition between theouter edge of the rear portion and the front portion is a tapered orangled portion; however, this is not required. Each of the reeds ormembranes is formed of a different material than the body. When each ofthe reeds or membranes are connected to the body, the top and bottomsurface of each of the reeds or membranes lie in the same plane as thetop and bottom surface of the body.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, two connection extensions 230 extend fromeach side of the reed opening 220 and are inserted in two correspondingrecesses 320 on the sides of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes 300, and two connection extensions 230 extend from the rear ofthe reed opening 220 and are inserted in two corresponding recesses 320on the rear end of the rear portion of each of the reeds or membranes300. The two recesses on the side of each of the reeds or membranes arepositioned on opposite sides of each of the reeds and membranes, arespaced the same distance from the rear edge of each of the reeds ormembranes, and are the same size, configuration and shape. The tworecesses on the rear of each of the reeds or membranes are spaced thesame distance from a side edge of each of the reeds or membranes, andare the same size, configuration and shape. Each pair of recesseslocated about a corner of the rear portion of each of the reeds ormembranes are spaced equal distances from one another. All four recesseshave the same size, configuration and shape. The shape of the extensionmember that is to be inserted into a corresponding recess is the sameshape of the recess. The size of the extension member is slightly largerthan the size of the recess so that the extension member is caused toslightly deform when inserted into the recess. The insertion of theextension member into the recess may also or alternatively cause therecess to slightly deform; however, this is not required. The rearportion of each of the reeds or membranes has a width such that amajority or all of the outer edge of the rear portion contacts the edgeof the reed opening when each of the reeds or membranes are connected tothe body. As illustrated in FIG. 13, a single reed opening in the bodyis configured to receive two reeds or membranes. The two reeds ormembranes are oriented in opposite directions from one another; however,this is not required. The longitudinal axis of the two reeds is parallelto one another; however, this is not required. The side edge of thereeds or membranes that are positioned adjacent to one another is spacedfrom one another. The spacing is illustrated as being constant; however,this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 11, all of the outer edgeof the front portion of each of the reeds or membranes are spaced fromthe edge of the reed opening when each of the reeds or membranes areconnected to the body. The size and shape of the slot 330 is constant atabout at least 70% of the outer edge of the front portion. The edge 232of the connection extensions 230 includes a rounded or tapered edge soas to facilitate in the insertion of the connection extensions into therecesses of each of the reeds or membranes. The transition between theouter edge of the rear portion and the front portion is a tapered orangled portion; however, this is not required. Each of the reeds ormembranes is formed of a different material than the body. When each ofthe reeds or membranes are connected to the body, the top and bottomsurface of each of the reeds or membranes lie in the same plane as thetop and bottom surface of the body.

The manufacturing process of the membrane valve generally includes oneor more of the following steps:

-   -   a. provide a body 200, with at least one hole 210 that is used        as an opening for the lodging of the escape valve and/or to        guide the assemblage and fix the assembly to a determined device        (e.g., compressor, etc.), and with at least one reed opening        220, when reed opening is spaced from the outer edge of the        body;    -   b. provide a body or membrane 300 which is designed to be        connected in the reed opening;    -   c. optionally provide the softening of the edges of the reed or        membrane in order to integrally round them;    -   d. insert the reed or membrane into the reed opening; and,    -   e. permanently and irreversibly joining the body 200 to the reed        or membrane 300 by use of a compression fit arrangement wherein        an extension member is inserted into a recess to form a        compression fit.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, andsince certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. The invention has been described with reference topreferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein.This invention is intended to include all such modifications andalterations insofar as they come within the scope of the presentinvention. It is also to be understood that the following claims areintended to cover all of the generic and specific features of theinvention herein described and all statements of the scope of theinvention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to falltherebetween.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for manufacturing a membrane valvecomprising the steps of: a. forming a planar body with a reed opening,said planar body including a plurality of extension members that eachextend into said reed opening; b. forming a planar membrane, said planarmembrane having a front portion and a rear portion, said rear portionincluding a back end, a first side and a second side, said rear portionincluding a plurality of recesses, each of said recesses including anopening located at a perimeter of said rear portion, a width of saidopening is less than a maximum width of said recess, said rear portionhaving a) first and second recesses located on said back end and spacedfrom said first and second sides, b) a first recess positioned on saidfirst side and spaced from said back end, and a second recess positionedon said second side and spaced from said back end, and c) a combinationof a) and b); and, c. compressing said planar membrane to said planarbody such that each of said extension members are connected by aconnection arrangement to one of said recesses to secure said planarmembrane to said planar body in said reed opening such that the planarmembrane is in coplanar relationship with said planar body, saidconnection arrangement between said body and same membrane is acompression fit wherein each of said extension members is compressedinto one of said recesses wherein said each of said extension members,said recesses, or combinations thereof deforms when said extensionmembers are inserted into said recesses.
 2. The method as defined inclaim 1, wherein said compression fit is absent a weld, solder, braze,adhesive, or binding agent.
 3. The method as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid body is formed of a different material than said membrane.
 4. Themethod as defined in claim 2, wherein said body is formed of a differentmaterial than said membrane.
 5. The method as defined in claim 3,wherein said body is formed of low or medium carbon or stainlessmaterial.
 6. The method as defined in claim 4, wherein said body isformed of low or medium carbon or stainless material.
 7. The method asdefined in claim 1, further including the step of rounding saidperipheral edge of said membrane.
 8. The method as defined in claim 6,further including the step of rounding said peripheral edge of saidmembrane.
 9. A method for manufacturing a membrane valve comprising thesteps of: a. forming a planar body with a reed opening, said planar bodyincluding a plurality of extension members that each extend into saidreed opening; b. forming a planar membrane, said planar membrane havinga front portion and a rear portion, said rear portion including a backend, a first side and a second side, said rear portion including aplurality of recesses, each of said recesses including an openinglocated at a perimeter of said rear portion, a width of said opening isless than a maximum width of said recess, said rear portion having a)first and second recesses located on said back end and spaced from saidfirst and second sides, b) a first recess positioned on said first sideand spaced from said back end, and a second recess positioned on saidsecond side and spaced from said back end, and c) a combination of a)and b); and, c. compressing said planar membrane to said planar bodysuch that each of said extension members are connected by a compressionfit connection arrangement to one of said recesses to secure said planarmembrane to said planar body in said reed opening such that the planarmembrane is in coplanar relationship with said planar body, a topsurface of said body lies in a same plane as a top surface of saidmembrane when said membrane is connected to said body, a bottom surfaceof said body lies in a same plane as a bottom surface of said membranewhen said membrane is connected to said body, a top surface of a regionof said compression fit connection arrangement lies in a same plane assaid top surface of said membrane and body when said membrane isconnected to said body, a bottom surface of said region of saidcompression fit connection arrangement lies in a same plane as said topsurface of said membrane and body when said membrane is connected tosaid body.
 10. The method as defined in claim 8, wherein a top surfaceof said body lies in a same plane as a top surface of said membrane whensaid membrane is connected to said body, a bottom surface of said bodylies in a same plane as a bottom surface of said membrane when saidmembrane is connected to said body, a top surface of said region of saidcompression fit lies in a same plane as said top surface of saidmembrane and body when said membrane is connected to said body, a bottomsurface of said region of said compression fit lies in a same plane assaid top surface of said membrane and body when said membrane isconnected to said body.
 11. A method for manufacturing a membrane valvecomprising the steps of: a. forming a planar body with a reed opening,said planar body including a plurality of extension members that eachextend into said reed opening; b. forming a planar membrane, said planarmembrane having a front portion and a rear portion, said rear portionincluding a back end, a first side and a second side, said rear portionincluding a plurality of recesses, each of said recesses including anopening located at a perimeter of said rear portion, a width of saidopening is less than a maximum width of said recess; said rear portionhaving a) first and second recesses located on said back end and spacedfrom said first and second sides, b) a first recess positioned on saidfirst side and spaced from said back end, and a second recess positionedon said second side and spaced from said back end, and c) a combinationof a) and b), said planar body is formed of a different material thansaid planar membrane; and, c. compressing said planar membrane to saidplanar body such that each of said extension members are connected toone of said recesses to secure said planar membrane to said planar bodyin said reed opening by use of a compression fit connection such thatsaid planar membrane is in coplanar relationship with said planar body,each of said extension members configured to friction fit in acorresponding recess to secure said planar membrane to said planar body,said connection between each of said extension members and said recessesis absent a weld, solder, braze, adhesive, or binding agent.
 12. Themethod as defined in claim 11, wherein said compression fit connectioncauses each of said extension members, said recesses, or combinationsthereof to deform when each of said extension members is inserted intoeach of said recesses.
 13. The method as defined in claim 11, wherein atop surface of said planar body lies in a same plane as a top surface ofsaid planar membrane when said planar membrane is connected to saidplanar body, a bottom surface of said planar body lies in a same planeas a bottom surface of said planar membrane when said planar membrane isconnected to said planar body, a top surface of each of said extensionmembers lies in a same plane as said top surface of said planar membranewhen said planar membrane is connected to said planar body, a bottomsurface of each of said extension members lies in a same plane as saidtop surface of said planar membrane when said planar membrane isconnected to said planar body.
 14. The method as defined in claim 12,wherein a top surface of said planar body lies in a same plane as a topsurface of said planar membrane when said planar membrane is connectedto said planar body, a bottom surface of said planar body lies in a sameplane as a bottom surface of said planar membrane when said planarmembrane is connected to said planar body, a top surface of each of saidextension members lies in a same plane as said top surface of saidplanar membrane when said planar membrane is connected to said planarbody, a bottom surface of each of said extension members lies in a sameplane as said top surface of said planar membrane when said planarmembrane is connected to said planar body.
 15. The method as defined inclaim 11, wherein said first side of said rear portion of said planarmembrane includes said first recess, said second side of said rearportion of said planar membrane includes said second recess, a distanceof said first recess from said back end is equal to a distance of saidsecond recess from said back end, said first and second recesses havinga same shape and size.
 16. The method as defined in claim 14, whereinsaid first side of said rear portion of said planar membrane includessaid first recess, said second side of said rear portion of said planarmembrane includes said second recess, a distance of said first recessfrom said back end is equal to a distance of said second recess fromsaid back end, said first and second recesses having a same shape andsize.
 17. The method as defined in claim 11, wherein said back end ofsaid rear portion of said planar membrane includes said first and secondrecesses, a distance of said first recess from said first side equal toa distance of said second recess from said second side, said first andsecond recesses having a same shape and size.
 18. The method as definedin claim 16, wherein said back end of said rear portion of said planarmembrane includes said first and second recesses, a distance of saidfirst recess from said first side equal to a distance of said secondrecess from said second side, said first and second recesses having asame shape and size.
 19. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein saidfirst side of said rear portion of said planar membrane includes a thirdrecess, said second side of said rear portion of said planar membraneincludes a fourth recess, a distance of said third recess from said backend is equal to a distance of said fourth recess from said back end,said third and fourth recesses having a same shape and size.
 20. Themethod as defined in claim 18, wherein said first side of said rearportion of said planar membrane includes a third recess, said secondside of said rear portion of said planar membrane includes a fourthrecess, a distance of said third recess from said back end is equal to adistance of said fourth recess from said back end, said third and fourthrecesses having a same shape and size.
 21. The method as defined inclaim 11, further including the step of rounding a front region of saidperipheral edge of said planar membrane.
 22. The method as defined inclaim 20, further including the step of rounding a front region of saidperipheral edge of said planar membrane.